Chronic Sinusitis From a Deviated Septum?

If you are suffering from chronic sinusitis, it could because of the shape of your nasal cavity. It is commonly believed that 80 percent of all nasal septums are off-center, a condition that is generally not noticed. A deviated septum occurs when the septum is severely shifted away from the midline.

The most common symptom from a badly deviated or crooked septum is difficulty breathing through the nose. The symptoms are usually worse on one side, and sometimes actually occur on the side opposite the bend. In some cases the crooked septum can interfere with the drainage of the sinuses, resulting in repeated sinus infections. Septoplasty is the preferred surgical deviated septum treatment Atlanta has to offer. This procedure is not generally performed on minors, because the cartilaginous septum grows until around age 18. Septal deviations commonly occur due to nasal trauma.

A deviated septum may cause a number of symptoms, including nasal congestion, frequent nosebleeds, frequent sinus infections, and noisy breathing during sleep.

In some cases, a person with a mildly deviated septum has symptoms only when he or she also has a an upper respiratory tract infection. In these individuals, the respiratory infection triggers nasal inflammation that temporarily amplifies any mild airflow problems related to the deviated septum. Once the cold resolves, and the nasal inflammation subsides, symptoms of a deviated septum often resolve, too.

Come in for an Appointment

After finding out more information about your symptoms, and whether you have had severe trauma to your nose and a previous nasal surgery, your doctor will examine your nose. A bright light and nasal speculum will be used to take a closer look inside each nostril.

If you are suffering from recurring nosebleeds or sinus infections, surgery may be the recommended treatment. This is called a septoplasty. It can be done with a local or a general anesthetic, and is usually done on an outpatient basis. You should incur no outward signs of swelling or bruising.

To schedule a consultation for deviated septum surgery, please call one of our Atlanta offices at 770-740-1860 if you are in the area, from Lawrenceville to Alpharetta.